3 reasons Commanders should have Taylor Heinicke on short leash
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders are set to be without Carson Wentz for the foreseeable future, as the quarterback suffered a fractured finger against the Bears. Wentz visited a hand specialist on Monday and we now know he’ll miss 4-6 weeks. The silver lining is Wentz doesn’t need surgery, but he’ll miss a huge (and important) chunk of the schedule and his absence leaves Washington with a big decision.
There’s been widespread debate amongst fans about who should step in as the starter: Taylor Heinicke or Sam Howell. Team and league insiders have already disclosed that Heinicke is the next man up, which makes sense all things considered.
But is it the right move? For the interim, absolutely. Heinicke knows the offense and is revered in the locker room for his unwavering competitiveness and leadership. Having said that, the former undrafted quarterback should be on a short leash because the Commanders have a promising rookie waiting in the wings.
Why the Commanders should have Taylor Heinicke on short leash in relief of Carson Wentz.
3. Patriots are having success with Bailey Zappe
Do the Patriots suddenly have a QB controversy on their hands? Fourth-round rookie Bailey Zappe has filled in tremendously for injured starter Mac Jones, prompting a conversation the national media previously had (or forced) regarding Cooper Rush and Dak Prescott, though that debate ended after Dallas’ loss to the Eagles.
With backup Brian Hoyer out with a concussion, New England — probably somewhat begrudgingly — handed the keys of the offense to Zappe.
Despite being thrown to the wolves, Zappe hasn’t looked overwhelmed. He’s showed poise under pressure and confidence delivering the ball, which admittedly has more zip relative to Jones’ spirals. In two starts, the rookie QB is 41-of-55 for 497 yards with three touchdowns and one interception (112.46 passer rating).
The Patriots won both games.
When accounting for Zappe’s emergency relief appearance vs Green Bay, when he finished 10-of-15 for 99 yards and a TD, the Kansas State product now has three straight performances logging a passer rating of 100.0 or higher. The Patriots lost that game, but it took overtime for Aaron Rodgers and Co. to win.
The Commanders don’t have New England’s infrastructure, but Zappe is proof Washington shouldn’t be afraid to unleash Sam Howell.